Arabic has been taught at the University of Chicago since 1893. The Arabic Language and Literature program prepares students for advanced research by providing a solid grounding in a student’s chosen field of Classical and/or Modern Arabic language and literature, and a familiarity with the major periods (from the pre-Islamic to the present) and genres (poetry, prose, literary criticism, visual culture) of Arabic literature. Both tracks emphasize the use of primary source material in Arabic in coursework and research. Students must also demonstrate or attain competency in a second Middle Eastern or South Asian language.